Gbenga Odogun, Lokoja

A Lokoja Chief Magistrate ’ s Court on Friday remanded in prison custody two alleged Boko Haram computer specialists , and a herbalist.

The trio , Abdullahi Habib Audu, Bashiru Yahaya and their medicine man , Ahmed Momoh, were arraigned for belonging to the terrorist group .

The Chief Magistrate , Levi Animoku , who issued the remand order in his ruling on the arraignment of the accused in Lokoja , described the allegations against them as “ dreadful. ”

Animoku said the activities of members the terrorist group had terminated many lives in the country, adding that the crimes allegedly committed by the accused were heinous in nature and carried high penalties.

“ Notwithstanding that bail is a constitutional right guaranteed the accused persons , the presumption of innocence is not absolute .

“ Bail is not granted as a matter of course in this kind of offence . So , bail is refused . The accused persons shall be remanded at the Federal Prisons , Koton – Karfe , Kogi State.

The case is adjourned until 28th September for mention, ” he ordered .

Earlier in his submission , the prosecuting counsel , Mohammed Abaji , of the state Ministry of Justice , told the court that the accused and others now at large who were members of the outlaw terrorist group (Boko Haram ) were arrested in June this year following intelligence report .

He said the accused were arrested by a joint team of operatives of the NHHSS and STATT and troops of the Nigerian Army and Directorate of State Security.

Abaji stated that investigation and analysis of their telephone numbers revealed that they were not only members of the dreaded group but carried out repairs of the terrorists group ’ s computers and other electronic components used for nefarious activities .

The third accused, Ahmed Momoh, according to him , prepared “ medicine /ruqya ” for members of the group and their families before and during operations.

Abaji therefore prayed the court to take cognizance of the offences of criminal conspiracy, contrary to Section 97( 1 ) of the Penal Code Law and Belonging to Terrorists ’ Group contrary to sections 4 and 5 of Terrorism (Prevention )( Amendment ) Act, 2013 .

Punchng